Three Interesting Facts About Solar Energy

Solar energy maybe are best alternative energy for the future of man-kind. According to scientist our sun has an estimated life span of five billion years. Compared to the sun, our oil and natural gas resources are running out quickly, with experts saving that in ten years we could be in a real energy crisis if we do not act now. Is solar energy the answer to our energy needs? I want to share three interesting facts about using the sun for energy.

1. The best energy for our environment- The sun is a clean source of energy for our environment because it has no moving parts, no gaseous emissions, does not destroy any natural resources, can power our smallest homes to large power plants. Solar energy unlike other sources of energy such as coal, oil, nuclear, and natural gas leaves no known residue.
2. Solar energy has many uses- Radiant energy as many uses. It is used to heat water, power cars, and power highway road signs, produce power for lighting, cooking, and is used for many other applications. The demand for solar energy systems continues to rise with the demand now ahead of the supply. More and more uses become available as the demand grows higher.
3. There are two types of solar energy- One type is passive and the other is active.
   • Passive can be best describe as using the sun's energy to heat water, air to heat our homes, and thermal to heat a mass. There are many types of water heating systems were coils of tubing which contain liquid are heated by solar energy. This is becoming a very popular way to heat water for our homes since some water heaters consume 1/3 of our energy cost. You might have heard of a trammel wall; a wall that is usually made of concrete, painted black, and faces the south for full sun exposure. This can be used to heat a home using stored energy from the sun at night.
   • Active is best described as by using an electrical or mechanical means of transferring the solar energy. Some examples of this type of would be solar panels which produce electricity using light-sensitive cells. This is what is called a photovoltaic system. When a system uses pumps or fans to supply the solar energy this is also an active system.

Being an energy consultant and actively involved with alternative energy, I have become even more aware how important "solar energy" is in our lives. Great advances in this technology have made it more feasible for home owners to install solar panels on their homes. I have just given you three interesting facts about solar energy, knowing that I could break it down even further into more specific areas.

Jerry Standefer is owner and author of several alternative energy websites. His websites teach you how to build your own wind turbine, build your own solar panels, and build a solar hot water heater. The main website Earth Power Energy Systems has received many reviews from other energy websites. Sign up at the website for a free energy report entitled "Why Build Your Own Wind and Solar System" Get your copy today! Follow Jerry on Facebook Fan Page and join in on the discussions about alternative energy.